The Ascension of Our Lord

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on May 17, 2021

Have you ever cried out, “why God?”

 The disciples experienced the pain of Jesus’ passion and overwhelming fear after His death. Fear gave way to joy when our resurrected Lord appeared to them. Did the Ascension spark new emotions, expressed in questions like, “why did Jesus have to leave again?” No! Instead, Jesus’ departure filled the disciples with great joy as prior to leaving He “opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:44-53).

 Then he blessed them as He withdrew from them.

 Last Thursday was celebrated as the solemn day of Ascension: a major turning point in the disciples’ and our spiritual journey. Jesus’ physical presence on earth ended. He took his rightful place in glory with the Father, but He did not abandon us.

 Jesus’ ascension ushered in an intimate way of being with God in Christ. One in which Presence is defined not by the physicality of Being but by the power of the Spirit. Jesus is spiritually present with us always.

 This Sunday’s Gospel (John 17:6-19) recalls Jesus’ high priestly prayer before His passion. He pleaded with the Father to protect and sanctify the disciples. The disciples’ zeal after Jesus’ departure tells us that His prayer was answered.

 Likewise, we too may cry out to God through Christ in our “why God?” and all moments, confident that He hears and answers our prayers. A joyful and comforting truth is that God in His unfathomable wisdom and love, reorders our challenges for our good and His glory. 

 But we are not called to be content with a “me and God” spiritual experience. Jesus’ ascension is intertwined with the disciples’ and our call to continue Christ’s saving work; proclaiming in word and deed the Good News “in His name to all nations”. What dignity is ours! Simple, ordinary people that we are, Jesus the Savior of the world, trusts us to continue God’s powerful work of salvation! To do this, He blesses us and clothes us “with power from on high.” 

God’s infinite love and wisdom are indeed too marvelous for words! Too wonderful for comprehension! Thanks be to God!  

Tags: resurrection, ascension, resurrected

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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